After a false start back in June, the dress rehearsal is over. The final submission period for the Volkner Rocks. has now been implemented by DOC. It started back on November 14th but the closing date, that of January 14th, is the all important one. This will be the last chance to have your say on an ever so vital issue. No, not just on this particular reserve but on the way reserves are headed in general. With so many at various stages of planning and many more sites mooted, the Volkners may be even more crucial than many of us think.

Since my article "Line in the Sand" which appeared in the July issue of NZFN covered most pertinent issues, I won't go over these again. There are, however, several others which need to be uncovered so all interested parties may be further enlightened.

First is the letter to the editor from the DOC Rotorua Conservator. In this letter he attacked and refuted a number of things I wrote in the aforementioned article, which I fully expected. What I didn't expect was the allegations he took exception to - the most minor issues I raised. He wrote nothing about the most serious items such as shredding of submissions, altering meeting minutes and disproportionate representation of interests on the steering committee. Nothing whatsoever to refute these issues which some even considered libellous. I'll leave you to derive your own conclusions for the good Conservators "full frontal"! Guilty by omission?

Next is the lack of scientific research done to justify this reserve at all, let alone its vastness. Most of this evidence amounts to a handful of dives by scientists during the summer months. One, which is used heavily in support, didn't even occur at the Volkner Rocks but at White Island. This research was extrapolated onto the Volkner region. Not a good idea; relevant information cannot be drawn from this study whatsoever. A flawed aspect of this application which just happens to be the most important component.

Now onto pressure - effort expended upon the water surrounding the Volkners and the resource contained therein. If there has been a lot of effort put on any species, and this is a big if, it has undoubtedly been yellowtail kingfish. Recognising this possibility in the early 90's we (Whakatane charterboats) implemented a Voluntary Code of Practice to help preserve this great fishery. I'm pleased to tell you that, if judged by the catches over recent years, it's worked. Taking only one fish per angler with a minimum length of one metre seems to be a sustainable practice - time has well proven this. It would appear, by all accounts, we have been good guardians in this context. All the other reef fish such as trevally, golden snapper plus blue and pink mao mao are in near virgin state as they receive almost no angling pressure at the Volkners (much moreso back at White). With such a robust fishery the area is certainly anything but depleted.

This begs the question: What is being protected here, from whom, and for who.
The entire process has revealed a serious lack of consultation throughout. No public meetings were scheduled whatsoever. Even when a meeting concerned with the Volkner Rocks MR proposal was organised at the Whakatane Sportfishing Club and DOC was cordially invited to attend, they failed to show up. I find this lack of consultation disturbing, especially when it's all done for them. An obvious abrogation of their obligation to the mandate.

Very interesting to observe the timing concerned with this proposal. Just as the July edition of The Fisherman's Voice (NZFN) went to press with "Line in the Sand" included in its pages, DOC pulled the date for initiating the final submission period. Now, again, just as Fishing News goes to press (December edition) they suddenly call for the period to begin - thereby putting anglers a full month behind. A coincidence? You be the judge. Calling for a submission period which runs right through the biggest holiday period of the year effectively deflates the entire process. How many people feel like participating in officialdom at this time of year? This is a ploy often used with initiatives governmental agencies want to get through expediently and without much fuss. DOC is not alone here, the Maritime Safety Authority are experts with this tactic as well.

Last, and one point which has been covered, is the lack of representation of recreational fishers on the Steering Committee. Despite this being the number one activity practiced at the Volkner Rocks over the past two decades, there was no invitation extended to the NZ Recreational Fishing Council or NZ Big Game Fishing Council whose combined membership would be close to 50,000. A shame these organisations were not allowed to be represented.

Sound like a conspiracy? I don't think so - just an overzealous departmental agency who is used to, and wants to continue, getting its own way. Here is where I hope you'll come in. Each submission by each individual is a "vote" as such. Don't be daunted by the word "submission", it does not need be a four page document - just one sentence will do. Something along the lines of "I do not support this proposal as worded" along with your name and address is more than adequate.

Still think the remote Volkner Rocks has little to do with you? Think again. Already on DOC's books is over 25 square miles of reserve in the western Hauraki Gulf and much of the backside of Great Barrier Island, to be presented in February. The battle has only just begun. If you can send the message to them loud and clear on the Volkner Rocks Marine Reserve proposal, it should set the precedent for all the MR's to come. They can't get their way with heavy handed tactics. With transparent, sensible practices - maybe. Please help with a short letter of disapproval to:

Department of Conservation
P O Box 1146
ROTORUA

by January 14th. While this may very well not be an activity you'd like to participate in during the holiday period, you'll feel much better after doing so.
Merry Christmas and good fishing in the future!